We have been off the grid for a few days (since we left Demopolis). No internet, no cell phone and no radio except for country. We started down the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway on Tuesday (10/21/08) at MM 217. The river winds through some pretty isolated wilderness areas with a lot of Snowy Egrets and Blue Herons constantly fishing (they sure have a great appetite and do very well catching fish). This river is natural and has many sharp and winding turns which presents a few challenges, when encountering a large tow from the opposite direction there is barely enough room to pass so you have to stay in contact with them during the turn.
This waterway is much older than its more famous cousin the Tenn-Tom Waterway. Between 1888 and 1915 a total of 17 locks and dams were built on this waterway to make it navigable. South of MM 217 (where we entered) the Tombigbee and Alabama Rivers join at MM 45 to form the Mobile River, which will take us to our destination, Mobile, AL. Originally there were four locks on this 217 mile stretch. Two taller locks eventually replaced these four and this is what we traveled thru the last 3 days. We are now at sea level after going down another 74 feet and are now in salt water and have a new thing to contend with, tides and aligators. Both the change in current and water depth are new to us Great Lakes sailors.
We have stayed at some great anchorages on this part of the trip and it is nice to be in our home stretch ahead of schedule. We are looking forward to being home with our loved ones for the holidays!
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